Arts recognise local Aboriginal history

This month a collection of indigenous performers and artists are coming together for Smith Street Dreaming as part of the annual Leaps and Bound Music festival.

Smith Street Dreaming 2017 is the biggest street celebration of the iconic thoroughfare’s Koorie history. The festival brings diverse groups of people to the suburbs of Collingwood and Fitzroy to recognise indigenous culture, the local Wurundjeri people, and its aboriginal community.

The free event will host some of the country’s best indigenous talent featuring live performances from Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan, Yung Warriors, Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, traditional dancers  Jindi Worabak and MC Shelley Ware.

The project is part of the Smith Street Working Group that, according to organisers, aims to build and celebrate better relationships between Yarra Council residents, workers and visitors to Smith Street by fostering understanding, respect and peace between all.

Members of the Smith Street Working Group include Aboriginal elders, indigenous community members, Victoria’s Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC), Yarra City Council, Victoria Police, the Salvation Army, Co-Health, Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, Smith Street Business Association, Eastern Health, Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation Co-Operative (MAYSAR) and restaurant Charcoal Lane.

The event was initiated when The Neighbourhood Justice Centre collaborated with Aboriginal elders, police and traders to discuss the complex issues of social inclusion, cultural respect, safety and diversity, which eventually lead to the formation of the Smith Street working group. Members of the working group realised they all wanted the same thing, and the indigenous music festival was born.

On the Smith Street Dreaming report NJC project officer, Maree Foelz, describes Smith Street Dreaming as “a fantastic event which helped build better relationships between the various communities that visit, live, work and gather on and around Smith Street,” which also encouraged her, personally, to “embrace the opportunity to learn from being part of the Smith Street Working Group.”

Rebecca Langley, lead activist in the community’s  Everything Advisory Group, this year is working with MAYSAR on a project for Smith Street Dreaming. With the focus of the event being reconciliation, respect and fairness, she believes that this will help show the broader community the importance of indigenous history to the area and the ability to connect with it.

To Amnesty International, she said: “I believe that Reconciliation Action Plans are a great opportunity to decolonise our work spaces by acknowledging and acting to change the part we play in the ongoing oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Smith Street Dreaming aims to bring together indigenous and non-indigenous community members to reconcile.

Image of Archie Roach at Smith Street Dreaming 2015, Photo: Antony Ket

In an interview for the Yarra Council’s history project, Archie Roach, indigenous Australian singer explained the importance of Fitzroy as a meeting place for Aboriginals.

“There was more to it than drinking. If people just saw it on the outside, you know, they’d just think, oh, a couple of old or young Koori people drinking in a pack, or whatever, vacant lot, vacant area – but it was more than that. That’s where I learned my history brother, from those areas, because all the old fellas, they knew more about me than I did, mate.”

Those who gather in Smith Street are referred to as “Parkies”, being mostly Aboriginal people who have long gathered on Smith Street. The ‘community of the Parkies’ has been fundamental for the passing on of Aboriginal stories and history according to the Smith Street Dreaming report.

Indigenous Hip Hop Project performer at Smith Street Dreaming 2016. Photo: Tony Proudfoot

The Indigenous Hip Hop Project team has experience in performing in events focusing on inclusiveness and recognition especially surrounding this particular event.

“The indigenous Hip hop Project team has [had] interactive performances running for 10 years … most performing in remote Aboriginal communities as well as everywhere around Australia,” said managing director, Michael Farah.

Having been involved in the Leaps and Bound music festival, the group realised the importance of hosting events like this giving them the platform to express themselves and perform.

“Dance performances for the event showcase more art going to hip hop [and therefore is] trying to get everyone [at the event] involved,” he said.

“Everyone is attached to music, most performances come with music and culturally it is about music and dance. Stories are told through traditional instrument[s] and also done through movement which is the best way to showcase because culturally, nothing is written down.”

He then went on to explain the ‘dreaming’ aspect of the festival and the importance of it.

“Everything is a story and [is] about dreaming … dreaming is sitting down listening to elders. This festival is bringing all that to the table. It is crucial to modern-day society when talking about bridging the gap and reconciliation.”

Smith Street Dreaming 2017 is taking place on the corner of Smith Street and Stanley Street, Collingwood, from 1pm-5pm, on Saturday, July 22.

For details go to Leaps and Bound Music festival website leapsandboundsmusicfestival.com.

Written by Zathia Bazeer

Cultivating workplace culture: how migrants are enriching this Collingwood enterprise

Consumerism, fast fashion and immigration are issues that are fast becoming household discussions. The ever-increasing conversations surrounding these socio-economic and environmental topics are making them much harder to ignore.

As we all struggle to be better humans, to find a way to make a meaningful difference, one social-enterprise in Fitzroy has already done just that. For almost a decade, The Social Studio has been employing a globalisation of a different kind using an untapped resource many Australian employers are ignoring – individuals of migrant and refugee backgrounds.

In February of 2017 it was reported that the unemployment rate of East African and Middle Eastern immigrants was averaging 33 percent in the first five years of settlement; six times higher than the national average. While, most migrants will cite employment as an integral part of their settlement, they often face hurdles in getting into the Australian workforce.

The Social Studio, situated amongst the cultural crucible of Collingwood’s Smith Street is a not-for-profit social enterprise on a mission. Founded in 2009, what originally began as a provider of design and sewing classes has since evolved into a successful, multi-faceted organisation intent on improving the lives of those most marginalised in our community. According to CEO Eugenia Flynn, the enterprise’s objectives are simple; “We use the vehicle of a fashion and hospitality business including a clothing label, retail shop, digital printing studio, café and a catering business to create meaningful social change”.

Through its fashion label, textile studio, and café, The Social Studio employs young refugees and immigrants, or those hailing from migrant backgrounds, offering employment with a creative twist. Employees are encouraged to express and share their culture, forging links between refugee and migrant groups and the wider community. Clothes sold in the Social Studio’s Smith Street store are produced locally, with sustainable resources to minimise environmental impact. Designs are affordably priced and feature vibrant, bold prints with significant cultural meanings behind each piece. The adjoining café, The Cutting Table, is also staffed by young refugees and migrants and serves a menu featuring a blend of East and West African fare.

The label’s designs feature vibrant prints all produced locally and sustainably. Photo: Alice Wilson

In addition to providing employment opportunities, the Social Studio makes it possible for refugees to get certified within the areas of hospitality and design. “Our purpose is to create meaningful and long-term pathways into employment for young people from a refugee or migrant background, and who may have experienced barriers to accessing education and/or securing employment.” Says Ms Flynn. “We provide TAFE level training, work experience, volunteer opportunities and employment in fashion, manufacturing, retail and hospitality, creating imperative education and employment opportunities and pathways.”

Since its beginning, the Social Studio has provided education and employment for over 580 people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. One such individual who has benefited from this enterprise is Abuk Bol, who worked as a seamstress in Sudan before she came to Australia in 2004 as a refugee. Abuk came across the Social Studio, after several failed attempts to get into the Australian workforce. She has since gone on to work for Brunswick-based bridal designer Mariana Hardwick and is now the owner of her own enterprise, Twich Women’s Sewing Collective, which sells clothing and homewares in her home town of Dandenong. “I was interested in clothes making and wanted to do something that could get me a job, being an immigrant and hardly knowing English, I decided to do the Certificate III in clothing production with the Social Studio.”

Abuk’s story is a great example of how increasing just one persons skill set can, in turn, work towards increasing many. The Social Studio champions multiculturalism and demonstrates that these individuals contribute to, rather than diminish the economy. “I now have my own store and space where I can help women like me get certification and jobs.” Abuk says.  “I would like to provide women, especially ones in a minority, the opportunity to get an education and a job. Or just somewhere they feel they belong.”

The Social Studio and Cutting Table Cafe, located on Collingwood’s Smith St. Photo: Alice Wilson

This sense of belonging is perhaps the most important contribution the Social Studio provides. “For students it’s developing friendships and broadening their community, branching out and become more open to everyone else.” Says Helen Kelabora, a teacher for the Certificate III clothing course the Studio offers. The benefits of an organisation like the Social Studio are as diverse as the services they offer to those they employ and to the Yarra community. For Eugenia Flynn, the is much more work to be done, “we would love to consolidate our work across the past eight years and create a deeper social impact” and it’s through the help of the Yarra community that this can be achieved.

Written by Alice Wilson

Human toe stolen from Canadian bar serving human-toe-cocktail.

In a mining town in northern Canada, an alcoholic beverage exists, which is aptly known as the “Sourtoe Cocktail”.

The menu item, being less of a cocktail and more of a shooter, has only two ingredients, whiskey and… you guessed it, a mummified human toe.

In what seems to be a set of absolutely true events, the human toe was recently stolen by a man from Quebec, likely for notoriety amongst his peers, but also quite possibly for a number of other sinister and horrifying reasons.

Legend has it, a ‘rumrunner’ lost his toe to frostbite in the 1920’s while transporting barrels of booze to Alaska during the prohibition; he then preserved it in alcohol and left it in a Cabin where it was discovered some 50 years later.

No one knows why the unnamed rumrunner would have attempted to preserve the toe, as Replantation – the medical term for limb reattachment – wasn’t a thing until the 1960’s.

Luckily for the Sourdough Saloon, a questionable character by the name of Captain Dick Stevenson discovered the toe in the 70’s while cleaning out an old mining cabin. Bringing it back to town, he used the toe to concoct the “Sourtoe Cocktail”, and created what could be the first ever drinking game; daring those brave enough to take a sip. 

Downtown Hotel/Facebook

The case of the missing toe, was for obvious reasons, international news. In Canada, a nationwide police hunt was underway last week, while the bar itself was offering a reward for the safe return of the stolen toe.

Just four days into the investigation, with pressure mounting, the criminal-mastermind, sensing he may have one foot in the grave, mailed the toe back to the Sourdough Saloon, along with a handwritten apology.

Phew.

Unsurprisingly, the bar’s “toe captain,”  Terry Lee, had told the Global News that they were furious as “toes are very hard to come by.” However, it did come to light that they have several mummified toes making the rounds at any given time.

In fact, the likelihood of the stolen toe being that of the unnamed rumrunner from the 20’s is slim to none, putting a real dampener on the wow-factor of the story.

Although, the knowledge that the toe has been replaced several times, once because it was accidentally swallowed by a patron, does bolster its overall appeal.

Unlike most stories in the news this one ends on a happy note for all involved, except of course for those who have donated their toes.

I think we can all agree that the “Sourtoe Cocktail” would be well suited to a number of establishments in the Yarra.

By Tiyana Matliovski  

Faces of Yarra

Grant Alexander McCracken, Fitzroy

“B (runswick) Street should be car free, because all of the mayhem comes from cars. And this is a line from my B Street poem; ‘They were all late for their lattes. They were all in a hurry to get nowhere fast.’ They create mayhem these cars, so I reckon if it’s a car free zone from Alexander Parade to Johnson street or Victoria Parade, and maybe put some turf down (for) their tables and chairs, some trees, potted plants, make it more pedestrian friendly. Then there wouldn’t be all the pollution. Car free B Street.”

Photo: Vanessa Orzlowski 

Faces of Yarra

Garry and Catherine Frank, Fitzroy

“We live in Fitzroy, before that WA and before that New York. But we love Fitzroy best of all. The vibe and the people are just different and interesting, and we didn’t really know anyone when we came here, but you’re never lonely: all the pubs and music. Plus we’re from big cities so we love the hustle and bustle. Going to listen to music, to the Rainbow and the Labour in Vain, we do a quiz from our street every week and we have a great Christmas party every year.”

Photograph: Vanessa Orzlowski 

Who run the world? Girls

That’s right as the queen herself Beyonce said, girls do run the world.

This year Last Minute Productions and Stayfly Sydney are hosting the movie screening of Girl Power, on February 24 at Grumpy’s Green in Fitzroy, the first documentary about the incredible lives of female graffiti and street artists around the world.

The film has been selected from thousands of applicants to be a part of the 19th SEOUL Women’s Film Festival, happening this year.

Following Czech graffiti artist and writer Sany, who decided in 2009 to capture female emancipation in graffiti on film, Girl Power presents stories from across the world encapsulating the successes and challenges of females who have dedicated their lives to graffiti and street art in a male-dominated community.

Last Minute Productions Music Coordinator Jurnan Thorn said, “Girl Power highlights and profiles women in the art formats of painting steel and street art.”

Miss Thorn connected with Sany when she came to Australia to film parts of Girl Power. In an effort to bring the documentary to Melbourne, Last Minute Productions and Stayfly Sydney stepped in to help.

Girl Power is set to open up the discussion surrounding graffiti being perceived as vandalism and the way graffiti has been portrayed as a male dominated art expression.

Street artist and owner of Juddy Roller, a creative street art and graffiti management company in Fitzroy, Shaun Hossack said, “Females are super important to the industry, but hugely underrepresented.”

When asked about Girl Power, Hossack said, “I think anything that presents woman as equal participants in any industry is going to be positive for everyone, and there’s obviously a movement happening and an awakening within people.”

If you’re all for equal representation, exceptional films and live music, Girl Power will not disappoint. The screening will also include live artists and performers such as Wonqi Rose ft Miss Money Toast and LADY LASH.

Head here to book your tickets for Girl Power.

Written by Grace Evans

City of Comedy

You might not know it, but the City of Yarra is home to a thriving stand-up comedy scene. With six comedy nights featuring a variety of performances, we’re spoilt for choice for a weekly dose of chuckles. YR spoke to the room runners to get the low-down.

ROCHESTER COMEDY
The Rochester Hotel
202 Johnston St, Fitzroy

Hanging its hat in the heart of Fitzroy, Rochester Comedy runs every Thursday night from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. Entry is free.

Showcasing a mix of professional comics and up-and-comers, Rochester Comedy has hosted such Victorian comedic powerhouses as Charlie Pickering, Celia Pacquola, Dave Thornton and Greg Fleet, to name a few.

“I try to make it as eclectic as possible whilst still delivering the best night I can,” said room runner and comic, Brendan Maloney.

Maloney started running comedy nights shortly after his second-ever comedy performance.

After advancing through the first two rounds of a nationwide comedy competition, he found that securing regular gigs to practice and improve his craft was no easy task.

“At the time I was perplexed but quickly learnt that there’s 500 budding comics out there all looking for the same spot,” he said.

An older comic advised him to start up his own room, so he took up the mantle and did just that.

Rochester Comedy enjoys a great deal of success, but running a room has its challenges.

“The biggest challenge is getting people through the door,” said Maloney.

In Fitzroy and Collingwood, punters are spoilt for choice in terms of entertainment options. Many don’t even know that there are stand-up comedy nights in the area.

Running a room also has its rewards. To Maloney, it’s getting to laugh every week and seeing comics improve, not to mention getting some precious stage time himself.

So why come to the Rochy for comedy?

In the succinct words of Maloney himself: “The best comics in the country, for free, and there’s cheap beer too!”

Comedians on stage at Rochester Comedy. Photo: Rochester Comedy

DIRTY SECRETS COMEDY
Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets
80 Smith St, Collingwood

Duck into Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets on Smith Street on a Wednesday night, descend the stairs and you will find yourself in an intimate, low-ceilinged basement space perfect for comedy.

Dirty Secrets is a comedy venue that has been running for more than six years with various room runners at its helm. In its current incarnation, it’s overseen by a group of five Melbourne comics and has been operating for about four months.

The night already has a steady following that sees attendance from both regular punters and new faces alike.

Running from 8.30pm to 10:30pm every Wednesday, it features a medley of established performers and newer comics.

“It’s an intimate venue that has its own unique charm, and our performers complement that with some serious hilarity and silliness,” said Firdy Billimoria, one of the five room runners.

Comedian on stage at Dirty Secrets Comedy. Photo: Dirty Secrets Comedy

He explained that one of the rewards of running Dirty Secrets Comedy is getting audience walk-ins off the street, who took a chance and ended up thoroughly enjoying the entertainment and staying to the end.

An added bonus is if they come back the following week, and the week after that.

Of course, there are challenges too. Dealing with the influx of requests from comics for chronically limited spots is a dilemma every comedy night has to contend with.

Getting audiences in on cold winter nights is yet another test that room runners are all-too-familiar with. And of course, with comedy, there’s the occasional heckler who has over-imbibed, which can really throw a spanner in the works.

Although, witnessing a comic put down a heckler to the rapturous applause of the audience is a special treat. (But don’t heckle, it’s not part of the show!)

Such is the beauty of a well-run stand-up comedy night. A mix of well-crafted material, off-the-cuff jokes, professionals and amateurs, a dynamic audience; it all meshes together into an electric experience and sense of immediacy few entertainment formats can match.

CATFISH COMEDY
The Catfish Bar
30-32 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

At the west end of Gertrude street is a Philly Cheesesteak-serving, craft beer-loving bar called The Catfish.

Rock up on a Tuesday evening, hit the upstairs bar and you’ll find yourself at Catfish Comedy. Using a showcase format, it features lesser-known, top-quality acts as well as an established weekly big-name headline act from the land of TV or Radio.

Entry costs $12, so this is not an open mic event. While open mic comedy is great, paid comedy means that the quality is often a lot more consistent. The material is by now honed and crafted, having graduated from the experimental stage.

Room runner Ben Vernel points out the unique challenge of running the night: “Room-running is mostly a mixture of loudly telling everyone to come see the show, and herding cats,” he explains.

From the scheduling conflicts of performers who may be double-booked, to ensuring that a decent-sized audience turns out, room running is a low-paid, low recognition labour of love.

“The perks are not exactly tangible things,” he explains.

He does it for both a love for comedy and for the satisfaction that comes from putting on a show where the audience is entertained and performers succeed.

Vernel takes pride in crafting a good show, and paying comedians.

“Being able to pay comedians, even if it’s not heaps, is a good feeling,” he says, explaining that encouraging an economy for comedy is an important objective.

So if you’re looking for a consistently good comedy night at a great pub in Fitzroy, featuring a mix of new comedians as well as stalwarts of the industry, make your way to The Catfish on Tuesday nights.

WILDE WILDE WEST COMEDY
The Wilde Bar
153 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

Running every Tuesday from 8pm, Wilde Wilde West Comedy is a ‘half-booked, half sign-up act’ stand-up comedy night.

The show runs in three brackets, with the first two being a mix of sign-up and booked acts, and the last featuring exclusively open mic spots.

This interesting formula often results in an eclectic mix of performers, from greenhorns trying out stand-up for the first time, to multiple Raw Comedy winners, to international performers and everyone in between.

Managing a multi-bracketed comedy night can be stressful, but the four comics who run the night take it in their stride.

“It’s rewarding to see a great comic try new material or a new comic shine,” explains Angus Hodge, one of the room runners.

The night started when the upstairs room was up for grabs and four local comics got together to put their own spin on a comedy night. Like many of the other rooms in this list, its location is a major advantage.

Apart from its accessibility, Hodge explains, it’s a “relaxed part of town and open to us allowing performers to try new things, and that’s really special.”

The particular magic of this room is when it’s packed to the rafters and there is great energy from the audience, and then, for example, everything falls into place and a previously unknown or very fresh comic puts on an amazing performance and dazzles the room.

It’s part of the magic that often reveals itself at these comedy nights.

Need more reasons to ride on in to the Wilde Wilde West? 

Entry is free, the drinks are on special and there are great acts having fun and exploring their potential.

Not too shabby for a Tuesday night.

OPEN MIC COMEDY
Station 59 Bar
59 Church St, Richmond

Leaving Fitzroy and Collingwood for a moment, let’s go to Church Street in Richmond. Next to a fire station in a traditional pub called Station 59, every Wednesday night you will find Open Mic Comedy.

Currently in its fifth year, Open Mic Comedy is a pure open mic room, meaning anyone can jump up to do a spot.

“We book in a handful of acts and then run a standby list in case of no-shows,” said room runner Kieran Butler.

They welcome everyone and strive to foster a supportive environment and take the rough with the smooth.

This means that if you ‘die’ on stage (comedian speak for “I got no laughs”) you can come back for as long as you want and keep having a go.

“We stick to our original mission statement of ‘No Cliques, No Fear, No Favour’, says Butler.

Photo: Courtesy of DVO Media

Open Mic Comedy at Station 59 sees a wide range of performances, from nervous first-timers to comedians who’ve been performing for years.

Many established comedians cut their teeth doing comedy at Station 59, which also runs a ‘Free Comedy Festival’ at its venue during the Comedy Festival every year.

Apart from hilarious shenanigans, they’ve hosted a number of fundraising comedy nights, with proceeds going to refugee advocacy groups, Seeing-Eye Dogs Victoria and relief efforts in Fiji.

“You do comedy for the laughter mainly, but I have made a lot of friends along the way,” Butler said.

So if you’re after a supportive, open mic comedy night where the laughs are as plentiful as the support and love, rock up to Station 59 on a Wednesday night.

Pro-tip: Put your name on the standby list if you feel the comedy gods speaking to you and want to have a go. Be spontaneous!

Audience enjoying the comedy sets at Station 59. Photo: Courtesy of DVO Media

THURSDAY NIGHT COMEDY AT GEORGE’S
George’s Bar
120 Johnston St, Fitzroy

Coming back to Fitzroy, we have George’s Bar. Inspired by fictional comedy character George Costanza from the legendary sitcom ‘Seinfeld’, what better venue in which to host a comedy night?

Thursday Night Comedy at George’s is free and it runs for about two hours, from 8pm on.

Run by two comedians who wish to remain anonymous, it all began when they noticed the bar was opening and saw an opportunity to run a comedy night that would be a natural fit with its theme.

It’s also a great opportunity for up-and-coming comedians to share the stage with comedy legends.

The comedy night has enjoyed the likes of Luke McGregor, Greg Fleet and Celia Pacquola, to name but a few.

It’s also home to the “Are you funnier than George” competition, where newer performers get a chance to showcase their talent.

What can the average punter expect? A friendly room in a great bar in a great location; it offers a mix of comedians at a fantastic level.

So if those pretzels are making you thirsty, grab a beer or cocktail on a Thursday night at George’s and drink deep from the comedy fountain.

By Garry Johal

Where to celebrate Halloween in the City of Yarra

If you’ve entered any supermarket, $2 store or Savers in the last two weeks then you would be well aware that Halloween is coming up. And this year it happens to be followed by a Victorian public holiday!

It’s a busy week ahead for Melburnians with the Spring Racing Carnival kicking off this weekend and The Melbourne Cup landing on the first day of November. You might want to take advantage of this occasion to dress like a bridezilla, stay out all night and not feel bad about it the next day.

Halloween started as All Hallows Eve in the Christian faith, the day preceding All Hallows Day, which is dedicated to remembering the dead. But like most things, western culture has found a way to turn it into a holiday of sugary sweets, dress ups and an excuse for a party.

So, if party is what you like to do and you’re not hitting the race track Tuesday, then here are some events in the City of Yarra to get you in the spooky spirit over the coming kind-of-long weekend (thanks a lot, Monday!)

Event: Odyssey

Venue: Glamorama – Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Date: Monday 31 October 9PM – 5AM

Cost: Free befoe 9PM, $15 after – tickets at the door

For the electronic music lovers, Odyssey is promoting itself as the late night venue to host your ‘after party’ or ‘after, after party’ as it aims to kick on to the wee hours of the day of the dead. It will be the third instalment of this ‘space dungeon rave’ with disco, techno, house and everything in between playing by big Melbourne names such as Sleep D, Cale Sexton and 6am at the Garage.

Event: Halloween Undead Party

Venue: The National Hotel – Victoria Street, Richmond

Date: Monday 31 October 10PM – 1AM

Cost: Free admission

The National Hotel invites you to celebrate the end of the world and to ‘stock up on moonshine’. With a free drink on arrival for all dressed in costume and Halloween inspired games to be played throughout the night, this venue is suitable for anyone who likes a good time.

Event: Grim Fantango Themed Party

Venue: The Fitzroy Beer Garden – Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Date: Sunday 30 October 12PM – 10PM

Cost:  Free entry

TFBG is launching its new Smokey Jazz & Blues Sunday Session in conjunction with the Day of the Dead for a spooky twist. Free face painting for all who come along to enjoy the soft melodies of ‘The Blues Man’ Rene Sotto, backed by Cheylenne & Roy.

Event: Hallo-weekend

Venue: Bimbo Deluxe – Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Date Friday 28 October – Monday 31 October

Cost: Free admission

Bimbo Deluxe have pulled out all the stops for this long weekend with a massive four-day bender, which they say hasn’t happened since 2005 and won’t happen again for another six years. Join them Friday for ‘Eat Your Greens’, Saturday for the ‘House Party’, and then party all day long, with cheap pizzas and Bloody Marys, at ‘Sundae Shake’. Join renowned DJ Spacey Space for Bimbo’s biggest celebration on Monday!

Event: Asylum

Venue: Precinct Hotel – Swan Street, Richmond

Date: 31 October

Cost: Free admission

One of the busiest venues in Richmond isn’t holding back this public holiday eve. Get along to this event in your spookiest get-up to win prizes for best-dressed. The Red Bull lab bar will be mixing up wicked drink specials for the night, and DJ Jono and band Metrik Live will be providing the killer tunes ‘til the a.m.

Event: Spooktober St Kilda Halloween Festival

Venue: Acland Street, Fitzroy Street, Town Hall and the Foreshore – St. Kilda

Date: 28 October – 31 October

Cost: Free – $35

So, it might not be in the City of Yarra, but this is definitely the biggest family-friendly Halloween celebration in the state. Luna Park will be transforming into Luna Dark all weekend with scary rides and attractions galore! An outdoor cinema will play the Adams Family movie on Halloween night and trick or treating will take over Acland Street and Fitzroy Street with live music, face painting and rides along the way. Check out the whole program here.

Whichever way you spend your long weekend or All Hallows Eve, make sure it’s spooktacular!

 

By Caitlyn Leggett

Coffee date with: Olmer Bollinger

Olmer Bollinger, Head Barista at Industry Beans.

Tucked behind Fitzroy’s trendy Brunswick Street, among some of the best street art in Melbourne, is Industry Beans – a roastery and award-winning cafe in one. Within the old warehouse that Industry Beans calls home, the kitchen serves up seasonal food that is described as refined and progressive, and coffee travels mere meters from the in-house roaster to cup. Behind the counter, serving up some of Melbourne’s best coffee is 29-year-old Olmer Bollinger: Barista and Roaster. We were lucky enough to score five minutes with him to chat about Melbourne coffee and his love of the job.

Yarra Reporter: How did you get into coffee?

Olmer Bollinger: I’m from Wellington in New Zealand, I started making coffee there at our family-owned cafe, Ministry of Food, using Allpress coffee. I’ve been making coffee on and off since then. I’ve done a bit of bar work, but I always come back to coffee. When I started out I didn’t really expect to still be doing it now.

When I started at Industry Beans I got more into the technical side of coffee and just got really into it from there. I liked that it was treated the same way that I’d seen cocktails and wine treated at bars that I’ve worked at, and once I was working with people who knew enough about it to teach me about it, it just took off.

YR: How long have you worked at Industry Beans?

OB: Over two years

YR: What is the best part of your day?

OB: Well lunch here is always awesome. They look after us real good. I smash the burgers here, they are both really good; the chicken and the wagyu beef. Most of us here have to put restrictions on ourselves to how many we’re allowed to eat a week. I allow myself one of each a week. That’s it. If you see the burgers you’ll see what I mean. They’re massive.

YR: What about the best part of the job?

OB: I always enjoy learning and I enjoy the challenges. At the moment I have a dual role: learning how to roast, as the most junior in the roastery, and then out the front I’m the head barista. So in one element I’m learning and the other one I’m teaching. I guess it’s just that transferral of knowledge that I find really awesome. And I get to drink delicious coffee all day.

YR: And on the flip side, the worst?

OB: Hmm … (there is a long pause and I’m about to scrap the question and let him off the hook when he says,) Large milk spills are really annoying. We have a machine called the juggler, it basically has a bunch of trays holding about 10 litres of milk each. If one of those bursts, it’s not pretty. And cleaning out the flues sucks, (he points behind me to large silver chimney-like pipes climbing up the wall above the roaster.) It’s basically exhaust from the roaster that builds up with oils and we have to get up on the giant ladder and clean it with a chimney sweep.

YR: If you could work anywhere in the world as a barista where would it be?

OB: Melbourne definitely. I’ve worked as a barista in New York and New Zealand and now here in Melbourne and my experience here has just been awesome. In New York I worked at a couple of places: a little cafe called Oatmeal in Greenwich Village, Public bar and Public restaurant.

YR: Where is your favourite place in the City of Yarra to grab a coffee?

OB: I really like Assembly, I haven’t been to their new place, but whenever I manage to get over to the old one in Carlton it’s always great.

YR: What about it do you like?

OB: It’s got a really nice vibe. They treat coffee with respect. I like that they showcase coffee from outside of Melbourne that I don’t get to try very often too.

YR: And what would you be drinking at said place?

OB: I mix it up, I can’t really go past either a short black or a pour over.

YR: If you weren’t making coffee what would you be doing?

OB: Well, I used to work in interior design, but I don’t think I’d be doing that. If I wasn’t doing this I’d probably be playing music or teaching.

YR: You play music? What do you play?

OB: I play lots of things, but guitar has always been my main instrument.

YR: What do you think makes a good Barista?

OB: Caring about it. Caring about the quality of coffee. Attention to detail. You get people who let a lot of shit slide and that can be a problem with quality control. I guess as well, the ability to keep calm under pressure is key. It sort of depends on where you work. There are lots of different environments and different baristas are better suited to certain roles. Here, for example, we’re quite a high-volume place but at the same time we have a very strict level of quality control. We don’t let sub-standard coffees go out. A lot of high-volume places don’t go to the same effort. It is pretty difficult but we’re also blessed with really great staff.

YR: Most ridiculous coffee order you have ever received?

OB: We get a lot of ridiculous orders. I can’t think of one off the top of my head, but we have tasting notes on our menu, right, (we open up the elaborate coffee menu, to take a look, showcasing coffee from around the world) and people misinterpret the menu sometimes and think the tasting notes are actually things that we’re adding to the coffee. They’ll ask for the “Fitzroy Street” without the plum. I mean it’s not that ridiculous, the coffee menu is pretty full on.

YR: Who are you listening to right now?

OB: I listen to a lot of old ’70s disco stuff, like a few of my friends DJ that music and I’ve just gotten really into it. My friend’s band from LA, Roses, are really good, and Frank Ocean’s new album is pretty cool too.

YR: What’s next for Olmer Bollinger?

OB: I’ve always wanted to go to outer space. Maybe I’ll get to that one day. Other than that I just take it day by day. Eventually, like everyone else who’s been working in hospitality as long as I have envisions opening up their own place … I haven’t conceived the idea yet. I’m still at that point of accumulating knowledge to the point where I feel comfortable and really ready to do it. Up until then I’m really just content working somewhere I enjoy myself and I feel like I’m still learning and I’m surrounded by people who know more than me. In that situation, I feel happy and I feel like I can progress.

Seven Days of Winter in the Yarra

While S may stand for summer and socialising, W seems to stand for winter and woe. Woe induced by the weather and the desire to hibernate, with little motivation to get out and explore our amazing city, many of us choose to give socialising a miss all together.

Although winter is by nature cold, there’s an abundance of warm winter-friendly hangouts calling your name, tempting the fates by easing itself between you and your couch.

There’s also a myriad of awesome stuff that winter brings, like marshmallows, hot-chocolate and mulled wine.

So lets give winter a cracking send off with seven days of winter in the Yarra. Grab your jackets, there’s fun to be had yet!

Polly Bar – Fitzroy

We were nominated for the Time Out People’s Choice Award. Thanks to everyone who put us forward. Voting for us is easy… http://m.au.timeout.com/melbourne/bars/features/3896/time-out-melbourne-bar-awards-peoples-choice

A photo posted by @pollycocktaillounge on Nov 4, 2015 at 6:12pm PST

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The winner of Timeout’s 2016 Peoples’ Choice Award, Fitzroy’s original cocktail bar now also doubles as a cigar bar that will have you stepping back in time. The décor is old-world glamour but the bartenders know how to make a mean, chic cocktail and won’t laugh at you if you order an espresso martini. For a unique experience, they even run cocktail creations classes.

 

Owl & Cat Theatre and Bar – Richmond

What’s that? We needed a sign? #progress #craftyfingers #theatrelyf #theatre #melbournetheatre #melbournenightlife #melbournetodo #independenttheatre #owlandcat #artistlyf #artistactivities #art #showstopper #richmond #melbournetophits

A photo posted by The Owl and Cat Theatre (@owl_and_cat) on Feb 4, 2016 at 11:48pm PST

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If you’re after a unique bar experience with a side of giggles, then this amateur theatre has got you covered. The cabaret-style venue is tucked away in Cremorne, just opposite Richmond station and hosts local writers and talent alike. Tickets and drinks are reasonably priced and it’s perfect for a winter night out.

 

Ice Bar – Fitzroy

Tuesday night is student night @icebar_melbourne. $25 Entry – includes: Snow gear and an Icy Cocktail (valued at $17). 😍😍😍

A photo posted by Tourist Destination Melbourne (@icebar_melbourne) on Mar 14, 2016 at 11:39pm PDT

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You could go the whole hog and embrace the cold! Brunswick’s Ice Bar emulates true Arctic weather, making Melbourne winter seem like a warm summer breeze. Everything in the bar – including your cup – is made of ice. To make things even better during August, if you can last 45 minutes in the bar, you’ll get a free shot! 

 

Feast of Merit – Richmond

Brrr…. Come wrap your cold hands around a warm mason jar of spiced mulled wine tonight from 3pm! Feast of Merit Rooftop Bar! #rooftopbar #feastofmerit #ygap #mulledwine #winteriscoming #warm

A photo posted by Feast Of Merit (@feastofmerit) on Jun 23, 2016 at 6:15pm PDT

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Located on Swan Street, Feast of Merit is a restaurant that sources all of its ingredients locally.  100% of the profits go towards a YGAP project aimed at supporting entrepreneurs who are helping people living in poverty. Not only is that amazing in itself, but they recently opened up a rooftop bar that specializes in steamy mulled wine served in mason jars. Hipster cool, charitable and blessedly warm!

 

Mystery Rooms – Fitzroy

The Mystery Rooms Melbourne put on themed escape rooms. We checked out their ‘Ned Kelly Experience’. Read all about how we busted our fellow bushranger out of jail on www.theplusones.com/melbourne. -Team TPO

A photo posted by The Plus Ones (@theplusonesglobal) on Jun 22, 2016 at 12:20am PDT

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The very-hot-right-now phenomenon of ‘escape room’ has found its way to Napier Street. Grab a group of friends to get clues and solve puzzles to make it through the rooms in 60 minutes or less. There are a number of different themed zones to choose from, just make sure to book online at least 24 hours in advance.

 

Carlton Brewhouse – Abbotsford

Five Cougars thanks 🍻

A photo posted by Lucev (@lucev23) on Aug 12, 2016 at 7:30pm PDT

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No need to hold out for the Heineken tour in Amsterdam, there’s another brewery tour right here in Yarra! The Carlton Brewhouse may not be a winter-warmer per se but we figure beer tasting is good on any list. Tour the brewery, learn some new things, sample a few ales and enjoy lunch for a festive day out.

 

Tramway Hotel – North Fitzroy

#Repost @2brothersbrewery with @repostapp. ・・・ Smoked brisket #burger with a Lazy Boy Easy IPA by the fire? Go on…. You know you want to.! @tramwayhotel #ipa #craftbeer #goodbeerweek2016

A photo posted by tramwayhotel (@tramwayhotel) on May 19, 2016 at 12:39am PDT

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Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays sees this corner pub hosts live music ‘by the fire’ to warm the body and soul. The Tramway is local-obsessed and hosts a plethora of local talent, local tap beers and local wines. They even have a menu of ‘Melbourne bands who rule’ burgers, where burgers are named after different Melbourne-based groups. A venue that gleams with Melbourne pride, obviously we couldn’t skip the Tramway.

Winter never looked so fun!

By Caitlyn Leggett